A "DANGEROUS" thug who killed a Macclesfield father with one punch has been jailed for five years.

John Anthony Cunningham, 30, was bouncing on his feet like a boxer moments before killing Neil McDonald, from Percyvale Street, Macclesfield, in an unprovoked attack, Chester Crown Court heard.

He was seen laughing as he walked away from the lethal assault, the court was told during sentencing on Friday (January 22).

Judge Elgin Edwards sentenced him to five years in jail and a further four years under licence upon release, after CCTV of the sudden assault was shown to the court.

Speaking afterwards, Neil's long-term partner Joanne Foster , who lived with him on Percyvale Street, said the five months since the assault in August had been "a nightmare".

"I am not happy with the sentence," said Joanne, 35, a clerical officer for the NHS.

"I relive that night in my head every day. It was an unprovoked attack – he didn't know Neil's name."

The court heard how Neil and Joanne had been enjoying a night out with friends in Waters Green in Macclesfield town centre when they were approached by Cunningham, of Reddish, Stockport, acting aggressively in the early hours of Sunday, August 16.

Michael Chambers, counsel for the prosecution, said: "He had been drinking and aimed a punch at the left side of the head causing injury from the impact and (he was) knocked to the ground."

Neil's head made a 'dull loud thud' as it hit the concrete, Mr Chambers said.

The stepfather-of-one never regained consciousness and died in Macclesfield Hospital later that day having suffered a large skull fracture and brain haemorrhage.

Jeffrey Samuels, counsel for the defence, said: "This wasn't an attack without warning against a defenceless man from behind. There was no weapon used or second blow. We submit that there is an insufficient basis for the court properly to say he is dangerous."

Judge Edwards told Cunningham, who sat stony faced throughout, that he accepted evidence he was laughing as he walked away from the assault. "On the night in question I am afraid you were looking for trouble," he said.

"You were inciting another person to fight you, then landed a blow on unfortunate Mr McDonald. I am driven to the conclusion that you are dangerous."